The Hunt Continues: A Deeper Dive into Helsinki’s Music Scene
The gentle summer light of Helsinki cascaded over the cobblestone streets. Walking through this city, where design and nature seamlessly blend, is a sensory experience. My recent success at Helsinki Secondhand OY, where I unearthed a rare European pressing of a Lenny Kravitz album and a Star Wars collector’s record, had fully ignited my explorer’s spirit. For someone like me, who spends их days navigating the logic and data of digital marketing, these serendipitous discoveries on the road are a precious stimulus for the lesser-used parts of my brain.
Consequently, my next destination was already set. I was heading toward a place of analog warmth and undiscovered sounds—a record store. Since a visit to the Helsinki Central Library (Oodi) was also on my agenda, I targeted two shops in its vicinity: Levykauppa Äx and its sister store, Levykauppa Keltainen Jäänsärkijä. Their distinctive storefronts, which I had scouted on Google Maps, had a peculiar allure that strongly piqued my curiosity. I wondered what stories awaited me inside. With a mix of anticipation and a slight tingle of excitement, I stepped back out into the vibrant streets of Helsinki.
First Stop, A Cool Welcome: Exploring the Best Record Stores in Helsinki
My first destination was Levykauppa Äx. It was situated on the corner of a brick building, looking exactly as cool as I had imagined. The green and white striped awning and the retro yellow neon sign created a picture-perfect facade, like a set from an independent film. I had seen photos, but seeing it in person, I was struck by its unique, undeniable aura.
A Mysterious Logo and First Impressions Inside Levykauppa Äx
On the glass door, a striking yellow and black sticker grabbed my attention. It resembled a radiation symbol, a powerful logo choice that seemed to promise something intense within. Was it modeled after a fan? Whatever the inspiration, the design eloquently suggested that a potent dose of music awaited. Indeed, it felt like a warning for the sonic shower I was about to receive, and my anticipation soared.
Pushing open the heavy door, I was greeted by a cool rush of air and the distinct scent of old paper and ink. Immediately to the left was a section for new CDs, while the central and opposite aisles were dedicated to used ones. The sheer volume of CDs, neatly organized yet overwhelming, was a sight to behold. This was the tangible, physical presence of music that digital files can never replicate. This was exactly what I had been looking for.
An Encounter with Daft Punk and a Lesson in Regret
I began to meticulously sift through the used CD racks. The act of flipping through each jewel case with my fingertips felt like an archaeological dig, excavating layers of musical history. Then, I spotted a familiar logo: a single CD of Daft Punk‘s “Da Funk.” The simple black cover with its iconic, vibrant orange sticker instantly evoked the 90s, triggering a wave of potent nostalgia.
I held it in my hand, hesitating for a moment. “I’ll be visiting more record stores in Helsinki, so I’ll hold off for now.” That thought was my first mistake of the day. Encounters while traveling are fleeting, a truth I had momentarily forgotten. I had no idea that this single CD would become a source of profound regret.
A Glimpse into Finland’s Indie Scene via Cassette Tapes
Above the used CD bins, my eyes were drawn to a wall lined with cassette tapes. A label reading “KASETIT” confirmed the section. Most of them were likely releases from local Finnish indie artists. In an age dominated by streaming, seeing a physical medium like cassette tapes treated with such care was truly heartwarming. It spoke volumes about a deep, abiding love for music.
Picking them up one by one, examining the unfamiliar artist names and creative artwork, was a genuine treasure hunt. And here, too, the wave of regret would later wash over me. “I should have bought at least one as a memento.” As a member of Photomo, dedicated to conveying experiences and sensations, my hesitation felt like a betrayal of my own ethos.
New Vinyl and the Unexpected Heat of K-Pop
The vinyl section, while offering some used records, seemed more focused on new releases. To my surprise, there was a dedicated K-Pop section. A group of local middle-school-aged kids came in while I was there and made a beeline straight for it. It was a vivid illustration of globalization, witnessing Asian pop music being consumed in real-time in this far-flung Nordic country.
Of course, the rock selection was also excellent. I found vinyl copies of our beloved Oasis, including the greatest hits compilation “Time Flies… 1994-2009” and their fourth album, “Standing on the Shoulder of Giants.” The epic concert photo on the cover of one and the iconic dusk skyline of New York on the other remain timeless.
Since I already owned both, I passed on them this time. However, simply finding their work in a Helsinki record shop was a small, satisfying victory.
On to the Next Chapter: A Visit to Levykauppa Keltainen Jäänsärkijä
With my discoveries and a budding sense of regret from Levykauppa Äx, I headed to its sister store. Just a short walk away was Levykauppa Keltainen Jäänsärkijä. The name, which means “Yellow Icebreaker” in Finnish, was as unique as the store itself.
An Open Door and an Atmosphere Filled with Music
This shop also had a wonderfully atmospheric exterior. The yellow lettering of the store’s name stood out beautifully against the red brick facade. It was a sunny July day, and perhaps due to the summer heat, the door was propped wide open. Covered in stickers, the entrance felt like a welcoming gateway for music lovers. Drawn in by its open and inviting vibe, I stepped inside.
The checkout counter was directly in front of the entrance, with new arrivals of used records displayed nearby, though nothing immediately caught my eye. The interior was more compact than Äx but felt more densely packed. To the left, endless rows of used CDs stretched out. To the right, shelves were crammed with both used and new Helsinki vinyl. The walls, adorned with posters of bands like The Beatles, ensured that every inch of the space radiated a profound love for music.
Finland’s Metal Heart and Daft Punk, Again
As I ventured toward the back of the store, I found a section heavily dedicated to metal and hardcore. Posters of legends like AC/DC and Iron Maiden covered the walls, and the bins were overflowing with records. It’s a well-known fact that despite its public image as a land of serene forests and lakes, Finland has a thriving metal scene. This corner of the shop felt like a concentration of the country’s dynamic, louder side.
And then, it happened again. In the new CD section, I found them. A shrink-wrapped copy of Daft Punk’s remix album, “Daft Club,” with a €9.90 price tag still on it. I knew it was a relatively rare compilation, and I didn’t own it. It was a perfect opportunity. But a voice of doubt whispered in my ear, “What if there’s something even better if you keep digging?” I listened to that voice and, for the second time, placed the CD back on the shelf. It was the biggest mistake of my day.
A Note on Other Helsinki Music Shops like Digelius Music
Although time constraints prevented me from visiting more places on this trip, Helsinki is home to other noteworthy music shops. For instance, Digelius Music Helsinki is renowned for its excellent selection of jazz and world music. It’s a must-visit for fans seeking more specialized genres. The city is dotted with other small, independent stores, each with its own character. I made a firm promise to myself to allocate more time for a comprehensive record store tour on my next visit. For any of you planning a trip, I highly recommend creating a list of several shops to explore.
Final Thoughts: What Crate Digging in the Best Record Stores in Helsinki Taught Me
In the end, I left both Levykauppa stores empty-handed. I won’t soon forget the hollow feeling of walking out with nothing to show for my efforts. But while I may have lost the opportunity to acquire a few CDs and tapes, I gained something valuable. I experienced firsthand the palpable passion for music that thrives on the street corners of Helsinki. More importantly, I learned a simple, universal lesson that no amount of digital marketing A/B testing can teach: When it comes to used goods, it’s now or never. If you hesitate, you lose.
Regret is the best motivation for the next journey. The next time I visit this city, I’ll dig with more conviction, trusting my instincts. There’s no guarantee I’ll ever see that Daft Punk single or album again. But that’s what makes traveling, and crate digging, so exciting. This bitter lesson will undoubtedly make my next “Walk, Shoot, and Write” adventure all the richer.
Official Website: http://www.levykauppax.fi/
